County Championship: Liam Norwell best in Gloucestershire win

Liam Norwell had previous career-best figures of 6-46

Liam Norwell's career best 6-33 helped Gloucestershire to a nine-wicket victory over Essex inside three days.

Essex resumed on 91-4, a lead of five, but paceman Norwell soon bowled captain James Foster and Greg Smith.

Kishen Velani hit his maiden half-century but, after he was caught at cover off David Payne, the home side were bowled out for only 199.

Gloucestershire, chasing 114, eased home as openers Will Tavare (57) and Chris Dent (52 not out) put on 106.

Norwell, 23, also claimed his best match figures of 10-65, having taken 4-32 in the first innings - his maiden 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

It was Gloucestershire's first win at Chelmsford since 1930 and their first victory of the season.

The loss ended Essex's unbeaten start to the campaign and saw them fall to their first defeat in the County Championship since 17 June 2014 when they lost by 470 runs against Hampshire.

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson:

"It was a good cricket wicket. All our bowlers performed exceptionally well over the three days and for a squad of young bowlers, their performance was very encouraging.

"We bowled with discipline and we were consistent in the way we were hitting our lengths. We've been asking for improvements from our bowlers and they've done it.

"But it was the overall team performance which has given me a lot of satisfaction. We've also fielded better than we have done so I can't fault the lads for their performance."

Essex head coach Paul Grayson:

"We've played some outstanding four-day cricket over the last 12 games or so and at some stage we were bound to lose a game.

"In this game, after the first hour, Gloucestershire have been the better side.

"We played well to beat Kent here, we played well at The Oval against Surrey and maybe this defeat has probably been a kick up the backside for us."